Preface STEREO Science Results at Solar Minimum

Abstract

The magnetic fields that drive solar activity are complex and inherently three-dimensional structures. Twisted flux ropes, magnetic reconnection and the initiation of solar storms, as well as space weather propagation through the heliosphere, are just a few of the topics that cannot properly be observed or modeled in only two dimensions. Examination of this threedimensional complex has been hampered by the fact that solar remote sensing observations have occurred only from the Earth – Sun line, and in situ observations, while available from a greater variety of locations, have been sparse throughout the heliosphere.